Our People > Sergey Kwan

Sergey Kwan

Journalist

Sergey Kwan has worked for The Times of Central Asia as a journalist, translator and editor since its foundation in March 1999. Prior to this, from 1996-1997, he worked as a translator at The Kyrgyzstan Chronicle, and from 1997-1999, as a translator at The Central Asian Post.
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Kwan studied at the Bishkek Polytechnic Institute from 1990-1994, before completing his training in print journalism in Denmark.

Articles

Renewable energy

Kazakhstan Launches First Domestic Green Hydrogen Production Station

Kazakhstan has unveiled its first fully integrated green hydrogen production station, a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward renewable energy and industrial innovation. The project, spearheaded by the Renewable Energy Laboratory at Nazarbayev University in Astana, is the first of its kind in Kazakhstan to receive a national patent, according to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Powered entirely by solar and wind energy, the pilot facility uses innovative, locally developed catalysts to convert renewable electricity into hydrogen through electrolytic water splitting. The hydrogen is then stored and can be used as fuel for motor vehicles or standalone generators. Currently, the laboratory-scale station is capable of filling a six-cubic-meter hydrogen cylinder in three hours. “This is a significant step toward the practical implementation of hydrogen technologies in Kazakhstan. What began as laboratory prototypes has evolved into a functional, outdoor industrial-scale system,” said Professor Nurshat Nurazhi, head of the Renewable Energy Laboratory. The project was developed in collaboration with Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology Co., Ltd. of China. “Partnership with an industrial leader ensured scalability and compliance with international standards for hydrogen production and safety,” noted Dr. Yerbolat Magazov, head of the hydrogen production team. “This system demonstrates the potential of domestic innovation in clean energy and sets a milestone for Kazakhstan’s scientific community.” The Kazakh government has identified hydrogen as a strategic component of its low-carbon transition. The Concept for the Development of Hydrogen Energy through 2030, approved in 2024, outlines hydrogen’s critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying the national energy mix.

3 days ago

Investments

South Korean Firm Invests $12 Million in Kyrgyz Meat Processing Facility

A major South Korean investment is set to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural sector with the launch of a $12 million agro-industrial complex. A groundbreaking ceremony held on December 10 in the village of Baytik, Chui region, marked the start of construction on the project, a joint venture between the state-owned Kyrgyz Agroholding JSC and South Korea’s DOD Company. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, the facility will feature the country’s first shock-freezing unit capable of blast-freezing meat to -35°C. This technology helps preserve the natural structure of the meat, minimizes moisture and weight loss, and extends shelf life without additives, meeting export standards required by high-end markets such as South Korea and Japan. The project will also include a feedlot for 5,000 head of cattle, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply chain for the processing plant. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bakyt Torobaev said the investment reflects strong trust from Korean partners and represents a major step in integrating Kyrgyz meat production into global value chains. Torobaev noted that Kyrgyz Agroholding, established to develop agro-industrial clusters and boost exports, plans to launch a pilot “Meat Cluster” project in 2026 in the Chui-Bishkek economic zone. Ten cluster associations will receive financing at 3% interest to purchase livestock, feed, cold-chain storage systems, packaging equipment, refrigerated trucks, and working capital. He also highlighted that, for the first time since independence, the Kyrgyz Armed Forces are now fully supplied with domestically produced food, an indicator of the growing capacity and resilience of the national agricultural sector.

3 days ago

World Nomad Games

Kyrgyzstan Secures Exclusive Rights to World Nomad Games Brand

On December 9, Kyrgyzstan officially received the exclusive rights to the World Nomad Games trademark in a formal handover ceremony attended by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. Over the years, the Games have evolved into a major international festival showcasing Central Asia’s rich cultural traditions through events featuring birds of prey, equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, and displays of physical skill and endurance. The rights were transferred by Askhat Akibayev, the founder of the World Nomad Games and former Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kyrgyz Government in the Issyk-Kul region. Kasymaliev praised Akibayev’s foundational role in developing the Games into a globally recognized cultural and sporting event. “Over the past decade, the World Nomad Games have become one of the largest global platforms for promoting ethnic culture, the values of nomadic civilization, and traditional sports,” he said. “Today, this project is a true national brand for Kyrgyzstan, the flagship of our state’s cultural diplomacy, and an important symbol of our international authority.” Launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the World Nomad Games aim to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The inaugural Games were held in September 2014 in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Kyrgyzstan also hosted the second and third editions in 2016 and 2018. The 2022 Games were held in Turkey, and the 2024 edition took place in Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan will host the sixth World Nomad Games from August 31 to September 6, 2026.

4 days ago

Investment Projects

EDB Establishes Investment Bridge Between Gulf Capital and Central Asian Projects

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), headquartered in Almaty, has opened a representative office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the United Arab Emirates’ international financial center, marking a strategic move to connect Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors with high-potential projects across Central Asia. According to the Bank, the new platform will offer GCC investors structured investment opportunities backed by EDB analytics, regional expertise, and strong ties with the governments of its member states, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Through this initiative, investors will gain access to infrastructure and sustainable development projects with optimized risk-return profiles. At the launch ceremony, EDB Management Board Chairman Nikolai Podguzov underscored the strategic significance of the move. “We are creating an ‘investment highway’ between Gulf capital and opportunities in Central Asia. Our new office in Abu Dhabi reinforces our role as a regional bridge, combining local knowledge with tailored financial instruments. Investors gain access to proven projects with favorable risk-return dynamics, while Central Asian economies unlock new development funding.” A centerpiece of the new platform is a specialized credit fund dedicated to financing infrastructure development in Central Asia. Registered under ADGM jurisdiction, the fund will focus on debt financing for EDB’s infrastructure portfolio. The Bank highlighted ADGM’s regulatory advantages, noting that the fund will offer Middle Eastern and global investors a secure and efficient entry point into the region’s development landscape. EDB will serve as both a structuring partner and co-investor, providing access to a diversified project pipeline. Priority Sectors for Investment Transport and Logistics: The development of the North-South Corridor could boost transit volumes through Central Asia by up to 40%, significantly reducing shipping distances between the Gulf and key Eurasian markets. Water Sector and Agribusiness: The irrigation equipment market in Central Asia is valued at approximately $426 million annually, while the broader water supply sector is worth up to $2 billion. Renewable Energy: The sector continues to attract major players such as the UAE’s Masdar, which has established a growing footprint across Central Asia. Strengthening Gulf-Central Asia Economic Ties In recent years, the Gulf states have become major trading partners and investors in Central Asia. According to EDB data, trade between the Gulf and Central Asia reached $3.3 billion in 2024, a 4.2-fold increase since 2020. Imports from the Gulf made up 80% of the total trade turnover. Top Central Asian trading partners with the Gulf in 2024 were: Turkmenistan - $2 billion (61%) Uzbekistan - $740 million (23%) Kazakhstan - $302 million (9%) The highest trade growth rates were recorded in: Turkmenistan - up 9.9 times Kyrgyzstan - up 9.5 times Uzbekistan - up 8.1 times The UAE accounted for 97% of all Gulf-Central Asia trade. For Turkmenistan, Gulf trade represented around 10% of total foreign commerce, while Kyrgyzstan’s share stood at approximately 1%, with even lower figures across other regional states. The EDB projects continued growth in trade, citing an unrealized potential of $4.9 billion, including $4.4 billion in potential Gulf exports (motor vehicles, electronics, jewelry) and $500...

4 days ago

Economic Growth

Kyrgyzstan Reports Strong Economic Growth and Budget Surplus

Kyrgyzstan's consolidated budget for 2025 is expected to exceed $12.5 billion, marking the first time it will cross the historic threshold of one trillion soms. The announcement was made by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev during a government meeting on December 8. Kasymaliev stated that while the 2025 state budget was initially approved at the equivalent of $8 billion, it had expanded by $4.3 billion by year-end, leaving the country with a budget surplus of more than $110 million. According to the Statistics Department of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Kyrgyzstan was the only member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to post a budget surplus in the first nine months of 2025. The surplus totaled $1 billion, with revenues reaching $4.9 billion and expenditures at $3.9 billion. By comparison, the surplus in the same period of 2024 was $0.5 billion. Citing International Monetary Fund data, Kasymaliev noted that Kyrgyzstan ranked among the top three countries globally in terms of real GDP growth in 2024. The national economy grew by 10% in the first ten months of 2025, with all major sectors showing expansion. The construction sector led with a remarkable 42.8% growth rate. GDP per capita for 2025, initially projected at $2,616, is now expected to reach $2,770 by the end of the year. Kyrgyzstan’s international reserves also saw a significant increase. As of the end of October 2025, reserves stood at $7.955 billion, up by $3.02 billion compared to October 2024, according to the National Bank. The National Statistics Committee earlier reported that Kyrgyzstan’s GDP grew by 11.5% in 2024. Services accounted for the largest share of GDP at 52.3%, followed by goods-producing industries at 33.3%, industry at 17%, construction at 7.7%, and agriculture at 8.6%. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) forecasts record-high economic growth for Kyrgyzstan in 2025, driven by robust investment activity. From January to October, fixed capital investment rose by 18.9%, with state budget funds and company resources accounting for 31% and 23% of that total, respectively.

5 days ago